Bargain Shopping:Get it for a Steal

Even when the economy is tip top, everyone loves a great price. These days, we like bargains even more. Here’s your guide to the best sales and everyday deals on clothing, food, gifts and more in the state.

by Matt Amis, Jennifer Hayes, Maria Hess and Emily Riley

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FASHION AND ACCESSORIES

Brides-to-be can find solace at Anastasia’s Bridal Salon (3828 Kennett Pike, Greenville, 652-2575). The small boutique offers personalized service while providing a wide selection of wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses and shoes. Though sale items aren’t advertised, Anastasia’s always offers slow-moving styles at 50 percent off—a steal on retail prices of $1,100 to $5,500. Owner Luba Cawley says Anastasia’s specializes in finding the perfect fit, so multiple alterations are one less thing to worry about when planning a fairy tale fete.

Save on BCBG, Nicole Miller, Velvet, Ed Hardy, Splendid and Betsey Johnson at Angel Shack (170 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 226-8630), one of the hippest spots for women’s fashion, when items go for 25 percent off during the holidays.

Aquamarine on Market (205 Second St., Lewes, 644-4550) holds its summer clearance from Labor Day through September, when all summer items go on sale for up to 50 percent off, including women’s shorts, dresses, tank tops and shoes from Mac and Jac, Vera Wang, Tommy Bahama, Betsey Johnson and Dead Sexy. You may want to call a cab for the ride home: Owner Maureen Botti pours glasses of complimentary wine during sales.

Drop into either of two open house sales at Azura Clothing Company (139 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 226-9650), one in mid-October and one in mid-May. Every item in the store goes for at least 10 percent off. That includes lines from Free People, David Khan, See Thru Soul jeans, Da-nang, Billy Blues, Johnny Was, Sweetees and Tulle. This Mecca for contemporary fashions also carries its own line, Dru Blue. Opt for Santa’s Wish List, where employees will deliver merchandise to your house.

Custom-fit bras make silhouettes shapelier, but the undergarments are pricey. That’s why well-dressed women on a budget head to Bare Essentials (4009A Concord Pike, Wilmington, 477-4888) in November, when Wacoal, Eveden, Chantelle and Le Mystere bras, normally priced at $48 to $100, are discounted 25 percent to 50 percent. Hanky Panky lingerie is reduced 15 percent. Bare Essentials also sells active wear and swimwear, and staffers fit bathing suit tops the way they fit bras. For every $200 spent, a customer gets a coupon for 10 percent off her next purchase.

Bella Luna (127 Rehoboth Ave., Rehoboth Beach, 227-0267) offers unique jewelry lines, including the vintage-inspired Joli, Jan Michaels and Lalo, in addition to unique scents and accessories. Find all of it at a big discount at the New Year’s sale. The storewide sale offers winter and Christmas items, jewelry, accessories, home products, and body products at 30 percent to 50 percent off. The store also gets creative with giveaways, passing along free accessories such as candles with purchases of more than $200.

Bethany Surf Shop (99 Garfield Pkwy., Bethany Beach, 539-6400) unloads its summer inventory between the end of summer and Christmas. Board shorts, sandals and women’s apparel are reduced 20 percent at the beginning of the sale and spike up to 50 percent off as the months go on. For bigger savings, hit the Bethany Surf Shop warehouse on Del. 26 for last year’s fashions at 50 percent off.

In January, July and August discounts on women’s clothing and accessories abound at Bloom (92 E. Main St., Newark, 454-7266). Clothing by B.B. Dakota, Gentle Fawn, Tulle, Nick and Mo, and Alternative, as well as dresses and coats, are discounted 20 percent to 50 percent. Belts, wallets and handbags are discounted 20 percent to 40 percent. Discontinued body care and fragrance lines are fair game, but only sporadically. Jewelry is never on sale, but owner Mimi Sullivan-Sparks will customize an existing piece of jewelry to fit desired lengths, shapes and colors. Special offers come via postcards.

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